Pep Guardiola to Announce Decision on Bayern Munich Future

After a crucial day for Bayern Munich, the club’s short-term future seemed to have been both guaranteed and confirmed, yet remained shrouded in mystery. With his contract due to run out this summer, manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly informed chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge of his plans for the future; an official announcement is expected after tomorrow’s match against Hannover. With those in charge of the club now aware, the public will soon be informed of the situation as well.

After months of speculation, fans around the world await the next move of Europe’s most sought-after manager, with Premier League clubs Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United all supposedly in with a chance of securing his signature. If, that is, he decides against extending his stay in Munich. There’s no doubt that the club want him to stay. Having won back-to-back Bundesliga titles and being well on course for a third, conquering Europe as he did with Barcelona remains the only real objective left for the Spanish manager.

The timing of Guardiola’s announcement is interesting given that it coincides with news from the club today that first team stars Thomas Müller , Jérôme Boateng, Javi Martínez and Xabi Alonso have all agreed contract extensions. Whether the manager will be around to bear the fruits of a relatively young and hugely promising squad remains to be seen.

Rumours of a separation with Bayern have further intensified with Germany’s Kicker magazine this week writing that former Real Madrid, Chelsea, AC Milan and PSG manager Carlo Ancelotti has told friends in Italy he is “90%” certain to take over in Munich next season. Undoubtedly, the footballing world will watch with bated breath as the managerial merry-go-round readies itself for another spin.

Malek is a freelance journalist based in London, writing regular features on technology, travel and European football for a number of publications. Check out his personal site at www.malekmurisonmedia.com.